This acclaimed story of World War II is rich in suspense, characterization, plot and spiritual truth. Every element of occupied Holland is united i...
read full description
reviews
Mar 22, 2010
Lizzie
rated it: 
A Nerd Christmas present from Shannon this year, yay!
It's a really sweet and short historical novel. Joris is such a sweet protagonist. I like books where children have extremely strong feelings. Everything with his pets is the best. The scene where the Nazis are taking people's dogs away, ARE YOU SERIOUS. Of course it is serious, but oh gosh the tears. And, anything in which "puppies are born" figures into the plot is good for at least one extra star.
The More...
It's a really sweet and short historical novel. Joris is such a sweet protagonist. I like books where children have extremely strong feelings. Everything with his pets is the best. The scene where the Nazis are taking people's dogs away, ARE YOU SERIOUS. Of course it is serious, but oh gosh the tears. And, anything in which "puppies are born" figures into the plot is good for at least one extra star.
The More...
Nov 27, 2009
Shannon
rated it: 
This is actually more like four and a half stars.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys children's literature. Set during the Nazi occupation of Holland, it's serious but uplifting. Hilda Van Stockum seems to know exactly the right amount of explanation to give, laying the foundation for important ideas but leaving room for kids to do some of the thinking themselves.
My only complaint is that the character Trixie felt a bit false to me. It surprised me bec More...
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys children's literature. Set during the Nazi occupation of Holland, it's serious but uplifting. Hilda Van Stockum seems to know exactly the right amount of explanation to give, laying the foundation for important ideas but leaving room for kids to do some of the thinking themselves.
My only complaint is that the character Trixie felt a bit false to me. It surprised me bec More...
Oct 13, 2011
Audrey
rated it: 
Amazing book! I love how this story, even though it’s in the midst of horrible war and oppression, still has an unshakable core of goodness to it. I find that in a lot of van Stockum’s work and I love her for it. Her philosophical and religious insights are so well woven into the story, and incredibly thought-provoking. The author has a real gift for bringing humanity and light to event the darkest of times. I definitely had tears in my eyes towards the end. I would highly recommend this!
More...
Nov 25, 2009
Sharri
rated it:
Another example of a children's book that I can't believe I never read sooner. An amazing, touching story about a Dutch family in World War II, dealing with the terrible hardships but also finding so much joy and opportunities for bravery and kindness. A very emotional read. I especially appreciated this book as a vehicle for important discussions with my kids about civil disobedience, truth, hardship, and faith.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 06, 2010
Robynne
rated it:
This is a great children's book about the people of Holland during World War II, and one family in particular. It was especially interesting to me since my father-in-law came to the U.S. from Holland as a young boy, shortly after the time period in which this book took place. I learned much about the people and their way of life as well as enjoying some great historical fiction!
Jul 29, 2011
Katherine
rated it:
A historical fiction that takes place among the windmills of Holland during World War II. It was moving but heartwarming. It was written for children, so it was light on the horrors of war, but still very realistic. How do you avoid bitterness amidst overwhelming evil? Wonderful view of family life in another culture and another time.
Apr 13, 2009
Lucia
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 10, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
Historical fiction for kids...a charming, realistic book about World War II in the Netherlands. The story is about a Dutch family's involvement with the Dutch Resistence. Van Stockum's captivating and descriptive writing encases you in the culture, emotion and landscape.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 07, 2011
Peter
rated it:
A very good book on WWII in Holland. Gives a good view of Dutch life on the canals and around the windmills. Really enjoyed the relationship between the various family members and members in the community. My children loved it as well.
May 25, 2009
Noelle
rated it:
I read this with my 11 year old son and we really enjoyed it. I had never thought about Holland during WWII and so it was very educational as well as inspiring. I hope I would be as generous and brave during such difficult times.
Mar 28, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
I read this book when I was a young girl, and it was one of my favorites. I am giving it 5 stars from my young girls viewpoint. I am going to re read this one, and see what it is that made such an impact on me.
Jan 02, 2010
Shawna
rated it:
Shows great examples of courage and sacrifice and ingenuity. A wonderful way for children to learn about this virtues. A living book that takes one into the heart of WWII Holland, viewed through the eyes of a child.
Sep 01, 2011
Sparkles
rated it:
This was a wonderful historical fiction told threw the eyes of a child. When learning about WWII, we often don't hear about countries, like Holland, who suffered brutally under the German occupation.
May 29, 2011
Anne-Marie
rated it:
Lovely. Reminded me of other family-centered stories in times of adversity, such as Snow Treasure, or the All-of-a-Kind Family stories.
Nov 03, 2009
Tearsa
rated it:
This is a touching story told from a child's viewpoint during the German occupation of Holland in World War II. I read this aloud to my children (ages 13, 11, and 9). We were drawn into the story as if we were part of their family. We felt fearful and then courageous, apprehensive and then compassionate, shocked and then tearful, hungry and then grateful. This story teaches timeless values like compassion, bravery and patriotism through the courageous examples of mother, father, uncle and ne
More...
Nov 15, 2009
Lynnea
rated it:
Very interesting but a bit over our heads. We may have to revisit this one in several years.
May 23, 2010
Kjersti
rated it:
This is a book I reread annually. It is a young adult book so a quick and easy read. It is set during WW2 Holland. It is told from the view of a 10 year old boy. I am not sure where I acquired this book but it is an old library book. My copy is the 1962 publication and I like the cover better than the newer versions. Odd how a different cover can be a turn off. I want to live in a windmill.
Sep 14, 2010
CLM
rated it:
I never really got into this author as a child (I think I read the Cottage at Bantry Bay) but came across this book for $.50 recently and decided it should come home with me.
Dec 20, 2009
Meghan
rated it:
I had to read this book for a book report for school, and it turned out to be a really good story! I was surprised, considering my curriculum's (awful) past choices in books
Apr 25, 2010
Julia
rated it:
I read this novel about one family's experience of the Nazi occupation in Holland to my 11 and 9 year olds. It gave me lots of opportunities to discuss various moral issues.
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
